People there are going to try and get as much money out of you as possible. Their economy revolves around tourism and really, generally speaking, them "ripping you off" is them trying to charge you 3 bucks for something you could get for one. Most of us can afford the extra couple bucks, but for them it makes a big difference. Don't assume that the people there are all being falsely friendly -- sure, part of it's an act to get you to buy things, but sometimes if you can get past that you'll find they are genuinely kind people. Our hostel owners and people that worked at many of the restaurants and shops we went to were some of the nicest I've ever met. If you're a girl expect a lot of attention from the men there, but generally it's all pretty harmless cat calls and the like. However don't feel like you have to tolerate any abusive behavior from them. All in all it's one of the most interesting cities I've ever been to, with some of the nicest people you'll meet -- if you give them the chance.

Anonymous

I went there in 2001. It was amazing. I'm going back as soon as I can. What more can I say? Three hours flight from the U.K. and you are in a completely different world. Listen for the Friday prayers very early in the morning in the medina -- magical! Ok, you may have some disappointing moments -- but the good experiences far outweigh the bad ones. Do go.

Danny

Not meaning to dampen the moods of people who are willing to visit Marrakesh, but I would just like to say that it is no bed of roses in there. Taxi drivers, salespeople, restaurants, and even hotels attempt to overcharge you boldly in any way you can possibly imagine. You can never believe anything they say because they are constantly trying to take money off you with their oh-so-fake friendliness. I suppose you can't really expect much from such a poor place, but I was disappointed. People had told me it was wonderful and I was so full of expectations. So, my advice is to go, but keep your expectations low and take things as they come along.

Tina

I visited Marrakech and it was a great place to visit. Well recommended. Try the tajin -- it's lovely, and prepare to haggle! All I can say is that Marrakech is worth a look.

giles

I visited Marrakech many times and everytime I go there it's a different experience. I found it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Anonymous

Marrakesh was so cool -- all the people were so welcoming and their towns were beautiful. I would say to anyone to visit Marrakesh because it's great.

Anonymous

I was in Morocco in September 2006 and I can say it's one of my favourite places on the Earth. I have visited Marrakech and liked it soooooooo much. I am going to visit it again very soon. People are friendly, everything's just perfect.

sara

Marrakesh is one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco. Djami el Fenaa, the main tourist square, is quite a spectacle at night with performers and traditional stalls everywhere. Marrakesh is a fantastic place to get Oriental furniture -- their stuff is good quality and if you haggle well you can get good offers. Their pottery and leather is particularly beautiful.

Anonymous

Going to Marrakech is like changing dimensions, in the evening look for a tallish hotel overlooking the marketplace, entry to the roof is a dollar or two and to sip a beverage, watch the sunset and the smoke and smells of the evening meal is magical. Once you try the market by your lonesome you will hire a guide the next day! They know the maze, cost a little and protect you from the leeching street merchants who will hang a trinket from your shirt pocket and say you bought it. Hire the guide. I used a pair of headphones from the airplane to get privacy and while the average Moroccan is versed in 5 languages, they don't know "sprechen sie deutch?"... the general motto in shopping is: "if you look at it you bought it" or owe them something so you learn to look sideways or ahead but don't wear dark glasses, cause then they will assume you ARE looking :-) I should of bought a dasheeke day 1, to blend in more. My friends and I had a great time visiting the architectural sites, eating the tahjean, the experience was life changing for me... travel takes practice. Happy Trails,
Mark Lawson2k@sbcglobal.net

Marrakech

While not the capital of Morocco, Marrakech is the most visited city in the country. Millions of tourists come all year long. There are many things to do in Marrakech so you will need to stay there for at least a few days to immerse yourself in the city, and feel the beat.

Of course while you are staying in a Marrakech hostel you have to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Jama el Fna square, both during the day to see the snake shows and the street vendors, and at night to sample the local food, including a spicy snail soup. Make sure you carefully pick the stall or restaurant you want to try since the hygiene might be dodgy in some of these perfunctory eating places.

Next door to the square is the souk with thousands of small shops where you will have to haggle to buy one of the millions of souvenirs on offer. But, even if the sellers try to push you to buy at each shop, you don’t have to buy anything, and the experience is more about the seeing and feeling the crowd around you than the buying. You could easily get lost in the souk, but that’s part of the experience as well, and you can always ask the kids wandering through for directions and they will take you back to the square for a few Dirhams, the local currency. You can also find many official and unofficial guides in the souk. Don’t hesitate to check their credentials if you want to hire one, and make sure that you agree on the price before you start your tour.

While staying in a hostel in Marrakech, there are many old temples and buildings you can visit inside the Medina, which is the main historical residential quarter of Marrakech. There are many Marrakech hostels inside the Medina where you can stay in an old medieval building, if you want to immerse yourself in the city beat 24h a day (some people love it, some feel harassed after a while). You can also book yourself in a hostel in Marrakech in a quieter part of the town, where many of the hotels are.